The Sustainable Development Goal 6 reminds us that access to clean water and sanitation is not a privilege but a right. It calls for safe and equitable sanitation for all, recognising that dignity, health and opportunity are inseparable from basic infrastructure. In United Nations terms, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) forms the foundation for safe communities and learning environments. Without it, progress in health, education and wellbeing cannot be sustained.

It is with this global commitment that the Rotary Club of Kitengela continues its local action. Through its SAFI programme, the club has prioritised water, sanitation and hygiene projects in schools across the region, focusing on restoring dignity and improving learning conditions for children. Working alongside partners, including the Rotary Club of Athi River Kapiti, the club has demonstrated how locally led action can address critical infrastructure gaps. On Friday, 20 February 2026, that commitment took tangible form at GK Prisons Primary School in Kitengela, where a comprehensive sanitation upgrade was officially handed over to the school community.

Explaining the urgency behind the intervention, Caroline Njiru, President of the Rotary Club of Kitengela, noted the reality faced by many schools where sanitation infrastructure has not kept pace with growing enrolment. The SAFI Ablution Block Project responded directly to this need. The intervention included the renovation of existing toilets that were no longer safe or adequate, alongside the construction of 26 new toilets, 16 for boys and 10 for girls, significantly expanding the school’s sanitation capacity. For the first time, the school now has accessible toilets for learners living with disabilities and a dedicated menstrual hygiene space for girls, with the final phase ongoing.

A modern septic system designed for future biodigester conversion was also installed, reinforcing the project’s long-term sustainability. As Daniel Wanjuku, environmental consultant, Rotary Club of Kitengela member and SAFI Project Champion explained, “The waste from the sanitation system will be processed through a biogas digester, which will generate fuel for the school kitchen. This ensures the project is sustainable and gives back to the school while reducing reliance on firewood.” This ensures the sanitation system continues to benefit the school while supporting environmental sustainability.

Mr Stephen Kemey, Officer in Charge at Kitengela GK Prison and Chairman of the school, underscored the scale of the challenge and the importance of the intervention. His remarks highlight both the urgency of the situation and the practical significance of the improvements now in place.

For the school leadership, the transformation is deeply meaningful. Principal Catherine Kipuli reflected on the change, stating, “Before, it was really a shame because of the sanitation situation in our school. Today, we are proud because we now have proper sanitation and cleanliness for our learners.”

Her words capture a shift not only in infrastructure but in confidence, dignity and the overall learning environment. Improved sanitation creates conditions in which students feel safe, respected, and able to focus on their education.

Students themselves recognised the importance of the moment. Speaking on behalf of her fellow schoolmates, Tamara, the school head girl, reminded those gathered that, “Sanitation is not just about buildings; it is about dignity, health and a safe learning environment.” Her reflection highlights the deeper impact of access to sanitation, not simply as a physical structure but as an essential part of wellbeing and educational opportunity.

The handover also reflected a broader commitment to environmental sustainability. During the ceremony, the Rotary Club of Athi River Kapiti led a tree-planting session and introduced seed balls as a way to support long-term ecosystem restoration. 

Stephen Nyanjong, representing the Rotary Club of Athi River, encouraged learners and participants to think beyond the present moment, explaining, “Before planting a tree or placing a seed ball, you must first envision the tree fully grown. This helps you plant it in the right place, where it can thrive and serve future generations.” Seed balls, which protect seeds and increase their chances of germination during rainy seasons, offer a simple yet powerful way to restore green spaces and strengthen environmental resilience.

As Caroline Njiru, President of the Rotary Club Kitengela, further observed, “In this region, water access can be a challenge, and poor hygiene leads to disease and absenteeism among children.” Improved sanitation, therefore, plays a critical role in protecting health, supporting attendance and ensuring that students can participate fully in school life.

This milestone represents more than the completion of infrastructure. It shows what is possible when leadership, partnership and community commitment come together around a shared vision. It is an investment not only in GK Prisons Primary School but in the wider community, where improved sanitation standards contribute to healthier, more supportive environments for children.

As Show Up Communications, we are proud to partner with the Rotary Club of Kitengela as a sponsor and to document and amplify this important milestone. Initiatives like the SAFI programme illustrate that progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) is driven not only by global frameworks but also by intentional, community-led actions. Looking ahead, the commitment remains, and this call is shaped by both urgency and hope. When children have safe sanitation, they learn with confidence and dignity, and the whole community benefits.

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